Senior Food Production Manager – $130k + Super - Lidcombe
Full-Time | Leadership Role | Long-Standing Australian Food Manufacturer
A well-established, family-owned Australian food manufacturer located in Lidcombe is seeking an experienced Senior Production Manager to lead and manage its production operations. This is a hands-on leadership role offering the opportunity to shape, improve, and drive performance in a busy and dynamic manufacturing environment. Our client specialises in manufacturing vegetable products and supplies Nationally into the Big 4 supermarkets as well as independent retailers.
Overview
The role reports to the Company Directors and is responsible for overseeing end-to-end operations of the production team. You will lead a team including the Factory Supervisor, Leading Hands, and production staff to ensure activities are completed efficiently, on time, and to high quality and safety standards. You will drive productivity, implement lean manufacturing practices, mentor staff, and ensure compliance with food safety and WHS standards.
For You:
- Permanent role with Salary of $130k + Super (Negotiable)
- A stable, full-time position with a respected Australian food manufacturer.
- Direct impact on production outcomes and business performance.
- Supportive leadership and a collaborative team culture.
- Opportunity to drive real change and continuous improvement in a growing business.
- Free onsite Parking
The Role
The Senior Production Manager is responsible for planning, scheduling, and organising team members to meet all production demands. They will also assist the company Directors in Manufacturing and Quality Assurance processes in driving workplace health & safety, food safety & quality standards, and continuous improvement throughout the manufacturing facility.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and manage the daily operations of the production team to meet output, quality, and time requirements (team of 20 staff).
- Apply lean manufacturing principles to boost efficiency and reduce waste.
- Plan and coordinate production schedules, resource allocation, and material requirements.
- Budgeting and forecasting of raw materials against production schedules.
- Monitor and optimise production processes, ensuring efficient use of labour, equipment, and materials.
- Work closely with suppliers to ensure timely delivery of raw materials and packaging.
- Maintain accurate production documentation and ensure compliance with SQF and HACCP standards.
- Conduct stocktake and oversee inventory control including monitoring shelf life and best-before dates.
- Provide ongoing coaching and training to staff to enhance skills, productivity, and quality focus.
- Take initiative and provide resolutions to day-to-day issues with the team, reporting ongoing issues to the National Manager, Manufacturing.
- Ensure timely repairs and effective maintenance of site equipment, liaising with the maintenance team, and completing maintenance handback forms in real time.
- Ensure shift supervisors are trained on operator allocations and have access to the training matrix as required.
- Roster in an efficient and cost-effective manner in line with the budget, ensuring trained and authorised operators are allocated to machines.
- Keep monthly forecasts up to date and forward to the National Manager of Manufacturing for review and approval.
- Lead yearly stock takes and compile reports to ensure accurate accountability.
- Maintain hygiene standards and proper maintenance and cleaning of machinery.
- Manage team performance, conduct regular reviews, and support staff development.
- Maintain a safe working workplace in line with company policies and WHS regulations.
- Ensure equipment (including testing devices and forklifts) is maintained and used correctly.
- Identify and resolve production issues quickly to minimise downtime.
- Collaborate with HR on staffing matters including leave, performance, and training records.
- Contribute to continuous improvement of processes and workplace culture.
About You
You will be a manager who leads by example, motivates staff, and works to achieve goals as a team. You will have experience in the Food Manufacturing industry with knowledge of HACCP and GMP. To be successful you will have:
Experience & Skills:
- Minimum 3 years’ experience in a food manufacturing environment
- Tertiary qualifications in Engineering, Operations Management, Food Technology or a related field are highly desirable.
- Current LF Forklift License
- Strong knowledge of SQF, HACCP, GMP, and lean manufacturing practices.
- Ability to influence and motivate a team of operators within a fast-paced manufacturing environment
- Proven ability to lead teams, meet tight deadlines, and deliver results with a proactive approach
- Strong time management and organisation skills
- Excellent teamwork and communication skills
- Solid record of driving performance through Lean Manufacturing principles
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Strong understanding of WHS policies and procedures, and the ability to implement and lead team on safety
- Proficient knowledge of Food Safe/HACCP environment including reporting
- Proven experience managing and mentoring diverse teams in a fast-paced environment.
- Basic computer literacy (Excel, Word, Outlook).
Attributes:
- Reliable, honest, and professional with a strong work ethic.
- Hands-on, proactive, and solution-focused approach.
- Ability to prioritise, delegate, and make informed decisions under pressure.
- Committed to quality, safety, and continuous improvement.
- Capable of motivating teams and fostering a collaborative workplace culture.
Advantageous:
- Six Sigma qualifications
- An understanding of Lean Manufacturing
- A background in Engineering
If you are a seasoned leader with a strong background in food production and are ready to take ownership of a key operational role, we encourage you to apply now. Please email your resume to the contact provided. We specialise in recruitment for the manufacturing industry and actively source a variety of roles for a broad range of manufacturers.
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📌 Senior Food Production Manager – $130k + Super - Lidcombe
🏢 Fuse Recruitment
📍 Australia